'Tracking for some time' – Leyton Orient ace assessed by manager after recent call-up

03/19/2025 05:32 AM

Leyton Orient loanee Jamie Donley has been tracked by the Northern Ireland international set-up for ‘some time’, according to their head coach Michael O’Neill.

Leyton Orient’s loan ace has been called for the first time in his career. LOFC’s attacker could make his debut ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Switzerland at home and Sweden away.

Donley, 20, linked up with the O’s last summer on a temporary basis from Tottenham Hotspur. He has since made 40 appearances in all competitions for the League One side and has chipped in with six goals and six assists.

Former Stoke City boss O’Neill has said, as per the Northern Ireland’s FA website: “We’re also pleased to welcome Jamie into the squad. He is a young player that we have been tracking for some time.

“We are waiting on the relevant paperwork from FIFA to be processed before we can determine whether he plays an active role in any of the games, but having him in and around the place to familiarise himself with the place and stuff I felt was important.”

Leyton Orient loanee Jamie Donley called up

Leyton Orient landed Donley last year to boost their attacking options.

He has made a positive impression since joining the O’s and has been a hit.

Tottenham Hotspur gave him the green light to link up with Richie Wellens’ side to get some experience under his belt.

He is due to return to the Premier League club later this year and they have a big decision to make on what to do with him next.

Donley was born in Anrim, Northern Ireland, but grew up in England in Colchester.

He joined Spurs in 2013 and has since risen up through the academy ranks of his current club.

The forward was a regular at various different youth levels and penned his first professional deal in 2022.

Donley has played four matches for the first-team so far and will be eyeing more game time down the line.

Following his call-up, former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan has told BBC Sport: “I’m quite excited that he wants to come and play for Northern Ireland. He’s probably had a look at the likes of Conor Bradley, Daniel Ballard, Trai Hume, Callum Marshall, Shea Charles, Isaac Price…..young guys who have started their international career at a very young age and have now started to accumulate a good number of caps.”

What next for Leyton Orient?

Leyton Orient are back in action after the international break with a home clash against Stevenage.

They will be looking to build on their 2-1 win away at Blackpool last time out.

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